Low oil prices have contributed to a weaker Hajj economy in Saudi Arabia this year. More than 1.9 million people are predicted to attend this year’s pilgrimage, down from a peak of three million in previous years. Business owners catering to Mecca visitors say government cutbacks in the Kingdom and in some neighbouring countries mean many would-be pilgrims have less money to spend on the journey.
UAE sets minimum excise price for e-cigarette liquids
The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced a new decision setting a minimum excise price for liquids used in electronic smoking devices and tools.
Meta apologises to India for restricting PM Modi's post
Meta Platforms' Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan apologised to India's information technology minister for briefly restricting a post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July.
Dubai Duty Free to offer payment in cryptocurrency
Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce the regulated digital payment solution Crypto Pay.
UAE's GDP grows by 3% to AED485 billion in first quarter of 2026
The UAE's real gross domestic product grew by 3 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 to reach AED485 billion, reflecting the resilience of the national economy despite the regional challenges.
Meraas marks key project milestone at 'Nourelle'
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a contract to International Foundation Group for commencement of groundworks at Nourelle, marking the next phase in the delivery of the premium residential development within Madinat Jumeirah Living.
United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the latest regional developments during a phone call with Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Nabil Fahmy.
The UAE has joined Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt in strongly condemning the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.
The UAE Aid Agency has announced urgent humanitarian assistance for people affected by severe flooding in Bangladesh following heavy monsoon rains.
